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2026 Water Works Program Application

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2026 Water Works Program Application

Salary

$28.27 - $32.27 Hourly

Location

CA, CA

Job Type

Internship/Temporary Worker

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

00236-WW

Division

Administrative Services Summer Internship Program

Opening Date

12/01/2025

Closing Date

12/21/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Description

Join the Water Works Program

10 Spots Available!

WATER WORKS PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Water Works Program:Introduces college students to the world of water by offering a comprehensive curriculum that explores Valley Water, local water issues, and the intricacies of current and upcoming water projects within their communities. Career preparation, leadership, and networking skills will also be utilized to develop participants' career readiness. This immersive experience aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the significance of water management and provide participants access, visibility, and opportunity in water careers.

Guaranteed Summer Internship:The Water Works Program guarantees participants a summer internship within Valley Water. Interns will receive one-on-one mentoring, professional career development training, and contribute to ongoing projects. Additionally, summer interns will receive a competitive pay rate of $28.27 per hour. To learn more about our college summer internship program,click here (https://www.valleywater.org/Discover-Valley-Water) .

Financial Aid Stipend:The Water Works Program offers a stipend of $2,000 to participants who complete the program. This financial support is designed to ease the various challenges linked to the pursuit of educational and career advancement.

This year we are looking for a cohort of ten (10) to make up our 2026 Water Works Program.The ten (10) students onboarded will complete five (5) virtual informational learning sessions and then work as summer interns, partnered with a 1:1 mentor to aid in the development of hands-on job specific skills. Below are the open business areas that a Water Works Students canpotentially intern in starting summer 2026. Participants must attachletter of verificationwritten by a counselor/program lead to their application to be considered.

Below are the ten business units we will be offering internships in:

1. Land Surveying and Mapping Unit – Engineering and Surveying

1 Summer Internship Available: Eligible for a hybrid telework schedule depending on supervisor’s availability

Description:

The responsibilities of the Land Surveying and Mapping Unit include professional land surveying and mapping services in support of planning, design, construction, and maintenance of District water resource facilities. This is accomplished by accurately locating existing and proposed District facilities, providing graphical representations of land features, boundaries, and fixed works, and complying with applicable state and local laws and ordinances.

List of Duties May Include:

+ Perform field surveys of creeks, reservoirs, and district facilities.

+ Import/export data from Excel, Civil 3d, and other mapping software.

+ Be a visual observer (VO) for drone flights.

+ Analyze and model point cloud (LiDAR) data.

+ Prepare/organize project notes, folders, and information.

+ Organize/clean equipment.

2. Benefits & Wellness

1 Summer Internship Available:Not eligible for a hybrid telework schedule

Description:

The Benefits & Wellness team manages overall employee benefits, including health insurance, life & disability insurance, voluntary plans, employee discounts, retirement plans, and leave of absences to ensure employees have comprehensive support. The team is also responsible for the Wellness programs which focus on promoting healthy, holistic lifestyles through fitness offerings, mental health support, financial tools, and work-life balance policies. This team also conducts new hire orientations, hosts monthly lunch and learns, plans and coordinates annual onsite Benefits open enrollment fairs & Wellness events, and more!

List of Duties May Include:

+ Produce fun & engaging marketing materials and communications to attract employees to the Benefits & Wellness offerings.

+ Use creativity to update and modernize revamp Benefits & Wellness intranet pages and documents, such as holiday calendars and forms.

+ Plan and coordinate summer wellness activities for summer intern cohorts.

+ Assist with various clerical tasks such as preparation of new hire orientation documents, assisting with efforts to go paperless, creating and updating templates, and helping with customer service support.

3. Construction Contracts & Support

1 Summer Internship Available: Eligible for a hybrid telework schedule

Description:

The Construction Contracts and Support Unit is responsible for managing the procurement process for construction contracts on capital projects. By delivering efficient procurement services, fostering strong stakeholder partnerships, and utilizing innovative technology, CCSU aims to establish and uphold a leading standard for construction contract procurement and monitoring.

List of Duties May Include:

+ Pre-Qualification Process

+ Procurement Planning

+ PLA Coverage Determination

+ Project Advertisement

+ Pre-Bid Meetings

+ Bid Opening

+ Contract Compliance Evaluation

+ Contract Award

+ Contractor Insurance Monitoring

+ Release of Retention

+ Contract Closeout

4. Dam Safety and Capital Delivery Division

1 Summer Internship Available: Eligible for a hybrid telework schedule

Description:

The Dam Safety and Capital Delivery Division is responsible for planning, implementation, and management of the portion of the Valley Water’s 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) associated with dam construction and maintenance, and specific flood protection projects. The successful candidate will support the Anderson Dam Tunnel project, gaining hands-on experience while collaborating with Valley Water’s engineers.

We Look for Interns Who Are:

+ Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field at an ABET-accredited college or university.

+ Enrolled in or have completed coursework in Statics, Dynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Intro to Geotechnical Engineering, Intro to Construction Management, and Intro to Hydrology and Hydraulics.

+ Able to problem solve and communicate effectively.

+ Able to read and interpret technical drawings.

+ Detail-oriented and possess strong critical thinking skills.

List of Duties May Include:

+ Attend project meetings, as directed, to observe and learn about civil engineering principles at work.

+ Support project engineers in managing the construction project documents.

+ Communicate and coordinate with project teams, including other disciplines (designers, engineers, and construction managers in the field).

+ Assist in the review and interpretation of plans, specifications, and cost estimates.

+ Assist in the performance of field and office assignments and preparing draft memos and reports.

5. Office of Communications

1 Summer Internship Available: Eligible for a hybrid telework schedule

Description:

The Office of Communications informs, engages, and educates the community and Valley Water employees about water supply and quality, flood protection, and stream stewardship issues. It oversees advertising campaigns, printed publications, electronic communications, a speaker’s bureau, social media, web, video, and internal communications functions.

List of Duties May Include:

+ Assist in creating and editing written content for blogs, newsletters, press releases, and website updates.

+ Draft and schedule social media posts across platforms to support outreach campaigns.

+ Help develop creative content such as short videos and infographics to support public education and awareness.

+ Support marketing and community outreach campaigns by coordinating materials and tracking engagement metrics.

+ Conduct research on communication trends, community engagement strategies, and local water-related topics.

+ Monitor social media channels for community feedback, engagement opportunities, and relevant news.

+ Support internal communications efforts, including drafting stories or announcements for staff newsletters.

+ Provide support for events, photo shoots, and public outreach activities as needed.

6. Office of Resiliency, Engagement and Development Initiatives (REDI)

1 Summer Internship Available: Eligible for a hybrid telework schedule

Description:

In 2020, Valley Water launched the Office of REDI—an agency-wide initiative committed to removing institutional barriers and fostering a culture of belonging. REDI works to ensure our policies, processes, programs, and services reflect the diverse needs of every community we serve. Our team leads the proactive integration of these principles across the organization, promoting behaviors and actions that advance fairness, opportunity, meaningful engagement, and positive outcomes for the people and communities impacted by our work.

List of Duties May Include:

+ Assist in researching and drafting various communications.

+ Assist with coordination of events and activities for staff.

+ Research industry best practices.

+ Assist with the environmental justice program.

+ Assist with supporting our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in planning events and activities.

+ Data management and analytics.

7. Environmental Health & Safety

1 Summer Internship Available:Not eligible for a hybrid telework schedule

Description:

The Environmental Health and Safety unit provides technical expertise in working with District management, supervision, and employees to ensure the District meets its regulatory obligations for compliance with applicable environmental, occupational health, and safety regulations.

List of Duties May Include:

+ Present on Environmental Health and Safety topics related to Valley Water.

+ Assist in developing Job Hazard Analyses (JHA) or similar procedures.

+ Perform field audits to assess regulatory compliance with Federal, State, and Local governing agencies.

+ Provide program support to assigned business unit(s) in areas related to utility operations.

+ Assist with other tasks as assigned.

8. Next Gen Career Pathways (Media Content Creation & Program Support)

1 Summer Internship Available:Not eligible for a hybrid telework schedule

Description:

The Next Gen Career Pathways Program addresses Valley Water’s future workforce needs. Our goal is to develop and maintain existing career pathway programs while creating new programs for Valley Water. We build strong relationships with internal and external partners to foster new connections and nurture existing ones, utilizing effective management skills. Additionally, this program thrives on community and organizational outreach, particularly in connecting with diverse communities.

We Look for Interns Who Are:

+ Currently enrolled in a college or university program in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Human Relations, Education, or a related field.

+ Strong writers and storytellers with excellent editing and communication skills.

+ Creative thinkers with an eye for visual design and basic photography or video editing skills (preferred).

+ Organized, collaborative, and able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

+ Interested in public service, community engagement, and workforce development.

List of Duties May Include:

+ Assist in planning and executing communication strategies that highlight Valley Water’s internship programs.

+ Develop written and visual content for social media, newsletters, and internal communications.

+ Capture and organize photos and short videos that showcase intern engagement and program impact.

+ Support the coordination of orientations, professional development workshops, and networking events.

+ Write captions, articles, and summaries connecting intern experiences to Valley Water’s mission.

+ Collaborate with staff, mentors, and interns to ensure authentic and inclusive storytelling.

9. Workforce Development Unit

1 Summer Internship available:Not eligible for a hybrid telework schedule

Description:

The responsibilities of the Workforce Development Unit include supporting the organization’s staff by offering training opportunities and events, providing the Valley Water workforce with the tools they need to do their jobs with confidence.

List of Duties May Include:

+ Coordinating and supporting Workforce Development projects and programs, including the Valley Water Annual Cornhole tournament.

+ Assisting in marketing Workforce Development events or training opportunities and posting the communication on Valley Water’s intranet site.

+ Sending and analyzing survey results from Workforce Development events and incorporating feedback for future events.

+ Developing the Workforce Development Ripple Newsletter, including networking with additional units in the Administrative Services division at Valley Water to highlight divisional news.

+ Managing event logistics in the LMS (Learning Management System) and running attendance reports.

10. Operations & Maintenance Environmental Support

1 Summer Internship Available: Eligible for a hybrid telework schedule

Description:

Unit 297 is responsible for managing Stream Maintenance Program (SMP) permits, which includes corresponding with regulatory agencies, proper implementation of best management practices (BMPs), and maintaining records of SMP activities. To comply with SMP permits, the unit manages contracts for environmental sampling, laboratory testing, archaeology, and rodent control. Implementation of BMPs is overseen by biologists who provide biological clearances and water resource specialists who inspect construction sites.

List of Duties may Include:

+ Assist with the writing and review of CEQA documents, including Notice of Exemptions, Mitigated Negative Declarations, and Environmental Impact Reports.

+ Assist with permit applications and negotiations with regulatory agencies

+ Assist with environmental compliance

+ Review proposed projects for consistency with the non-riparian hazard tree program

+ Organize and update proposed project comments from regulatory agencies

+ Research CEQA and environmental laws

Below is the tentative schedule of the 2026 Water Works Program that showcases important dates and educational academy sessions that program participants must participate in, in order to receive credit (stipend & summer internship).

Applications Open ………………………………………………

Monday – December 1, 2025

Applications Close ………………………………………………

Sunday – December 21, 2025

Blind Screening …………………………………………………..

January 5 – January 19, 2026

Interviews …………………………………………………………..

January 26 – February 6, 2026

Cohort Confirmed ……………………………………………….

Friday – February 13, 2026

Academy Session 1 ……………………………………………..

Friday, February 27, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM

Academy Session 2 ……………………………………………..

Friday, March 13, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM

Academy Session 3 ……………………………………………..

Friday, March 27, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM

Academy Session 4 ……………………………………………..

Friday, April 10, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM

Academy Session 5 ……………………………………………..

Friday, April 24, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM

Water Works Academy Graduation …………………….

Friday, May 8, 2026

Semester Summer Internship Starts ……………………

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Quarter Summer Internship Starts .…………………….

Monday, June 15, 2026

Semester Summer Internship Ends ……………………..

Friday, August 14, 2026

Quarter Summer Internship Ends ……………………….

Friday, September 4, 2026

INTERNSHIP LOCATION STATUS:

Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

Each summer internship position will have different teleworking schedules. See the job description to check whether a position is potentially eligible for hybrid telework.

Effective Monday, January 1, 2024, Valley Water will no longer require proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment for regular employees, temporary staff, student interns, retiree annuitants, and/or contractors.

Required License or Certificate

Minimum Qualifications/Eligibility:

+ Participants must attend all five (5) virtual session for the Water Works Academy. *Mandatory Participation*

+ These sessions are held every other Friday on Zoomfrom3:00 – 5:30 PM commencingFebruary 27th and concluding April 24, 2026, with an in-person graduation date set for May 8, 2026.

+ Participantsmust be a part of a community-based organization/student support programand must show proof by attaching aletter of verificationwritten by a counselor/program lead to their application to be considered.

+ What’s a letter of verification?

+ A letter of verification is written by your community-based organization/student support program counselor/staff written on official letterhead.

+ The letter should state the organization/program’s name, counselor/staff’s name, title, and contact information as well as the student’s name, major, name of organization, connection to organization/program, and title (if any) of the person applying for this program.

+ Please use the template attached to the link as a reference: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MbzUXRqL\_JAI5cImJFCdSZgIM6LnaBofozT0I\_qLoLY/edit?usp=sharing

+ Participants must be an incoming third year (current second-year student and will be a third-year student by Fall 2026)or above enrolled in an accreditedundergraduate level community college or university for Fall 2026.

+ Participants mustreside within 150 miles of the Valley Water office(5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA) for the duration of the summer internship (May - August). Students do not need to be located within the 150 miles during the virtual learning sessions (February-April).

+ Participants must be able to work full-time (40 hours/week) for the duration of the Summer Internship Program

+ May 26 through August 14, 2026(Semester Students)

+ June 15 through September 4, 2026 (Quarter Students)

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Students interested in pursuing a career within the water industry.

+ Students passionate for serving the community & providing excellent service to all customers.

+ Abilities to demonstrate Zoom etiquette during Water Works Academy Sessions.

+ Willing and able to participate, engage, and collaborate in Water Works Academy Sessions.

+ Able to share and promote the Next Gen Career Pathways Water Works Program to selected audiences.

Selection Process

Application/Selection Process:

Applications Open ………………………………………………

Monday – December 1, 2025

Applications Close ………………………………………………

Sunday – December 21, 2025

Blind Screening …………………………………………………..

January 5 – January 19, 2026

Interviews …………………………………………………………..

January 26 – February 6, 2026

Cohort Confirmed ……………………………………………….

Friday – February 13, 2026

We will be accepting applications fromMonday, 12/1/2026 through Sunday, 12/21/2026 11:59 PM PST (approximately 3 weeks).

To be considered for this opportunity you must provide the following:

+ A fully completed online Employment Application on GovernmentJobs.com(all required questions must be answered).

+ Complete the supplemental questions(short answer essay questions) in the job application, these will help us get to know you better.

+ Answer each question fully, thorough, and relevant to the question.

+ Do not indicate "see resume" as a response to any of the questions.

+ A resume & cover letter are not required but highly recommended!

+ An letter of verificationwritten by a counselor/program lead of a Community Based Organization/Student Support Program.

+ What’s a letter of verification?

+ A letter of verification is written by your community-based organization/student support program counselor/staff written on official letterhead.

+ The letter should state the organization/program’s name, counselor/staff’s name, title, and contact information as well as the student’s name, major, name of organization, connection to organization/program, and title (if any) of the person applying for this program.

+ Please use the template attached to the link as a reference: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MbzUXRqL\_JAI5cImJFCdSZgIM6LnaBofozT0I\_qLoLY/edit?usp=sharing

Students Interns or Temporary Workers are not eligible for District Benefits.

01

Have you participated in the Water Works Program or Valley Water's Summer Internship Program in past years? Please note that due to the high demand of these opportunities, only new participants are eligible to apply.

+ Yes

+ No

02

The Water Works Academy Dates are listed below and will take place over Zoom from 3:00 – 5:30 commencing February 27th and concluding April 24, 2026, with an in-person graduation date set for May 8, 2026. Can you commit to these dates and times?

+ Yes

+ No

03

Water Works Participants will have the opportunity to be summer interns for Valley Water's Summer Internship Program. The Summer Internship duration varies depending on if you are a semester student or quarter student. Please choose the option below that you will be available to work for the Summer.

+ May 26, 2026, through August 14, 2026 (Semester Students)

+ June 15, 2026, through September 4, 2026 (Quarter Students)

04

Please list any dates that you will not be available during the selected assignment period.

05

Water Works Participants will have the opportunity to be summer interns for Valley Water's Summer Internship Program. This requires the student to work full-time (40 hours per week) during the Summer Internship period, are you able to commit to this?

+ Yes

+ No

06

What college/university will you be enrolled in for Fall 2026?

07

What is your student status listed on your transcript as of Fall 2026?

+ First Year

+ Second Year

+ Third Year

+ Fourth Year

+ Fifth Year +

+ Master's Student

+ Graduate Student (Graduated and not pursuing a Master's/higher education)

+ Doctorate

08

What is your expected graduation date? Please enter the month and year. Example: December 2027

09

Please specify the degree you are pursuing:

+ Associate's

+ Bachelor's

+ Master's

+ Doctorate

10

What is your major/field of study:

11

This year's Water Works Program will have internships open in the following business areas. Please check the top three roles that you are interested in. (See job posting descriptions for more details regarding each area of business)

+ Land Surveying and Mapping Unit – Engineering and Surveying

+ Benefits & Wellness

+ Construction Contracts & Support

+ Dam Safety and Capital Delivery Division

+ Office of Communications

+ Office of Resiliency, Engagement and Development Initiatives (REDI)

+ Environmental Health & Safety

+ Next Gen Career Pathways (Media Content Creation & Program Support)

+ Workforce Development Unit

+ Operations & Maintenance Environmental Support

12

Out of the three roles you selected, which is your top choice? Please indicate one.

13

What is the name of the Community Based Organization/Student Support Program you participate in? If the Student Support Program/Organization is a part of school, please list the school and organization. If the Student Support Program is a tier of a bigger program, please list the Organization name and the program you fall under. For example: "Evergreen Valley College – ENLACE Program" "Students Rising Above – Students Online Achieving Results (SOAR)" "San Jose State University – MESA Program" "Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley – Hispanic Foundation College Success Program (HFCSP)"

14

Please check yes if you have attached your letter of verification from your counselor/staff member of the Community Based Organization/Student Support Program. (This is required. Your application will be marked as incomplete without the attached letter).

+ Yes

+ No

15

How did you hear about the Water Works Program (select all that apply)?

+ Baywork.org

+ Calopps.org

+ Career Fair

+ College/University

+ Community Organization Representative

+ Email

+ Flyer

+ Friend or Relative

+ Governmentjobs.com

+ Handshake

+ LinkedIn

+ Previous Water Work's Participant

+ Social Media (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube etc.)

+ Valley Water Employee

+ Valley Water Website

+ Other

16

If you responded Career Fair, College/University, or Other to Question 13, please specify the name.

17

If you responded Community Organization Representative, Email, Friend or Relative, Previous Water Work's Participant, or Valley Water Employee to Question 13, please specify who informed you.

18

Please briefly describe why you are interested the Water Works Program and how it will support your career goals.

19

Please briefly describe one specific school project, extracurricular or community activities, hobbies or interests that has provided you with the knowledge and skills to be successful in the Water Works Program as a Summer Intern. What was the project? What was your role? What skills and abilities did you bring to this project or event to assist with its success? What was the outcome of your efforts? Be as specific as possible. (Please tailor your answer to the business areas you selected earlier in this application.)

20

I acknowledge that all Valley Water Employees must live within 150 miles of Valley Water Headquarters in San Jose, California by the start date of the summer internship. Valley Water does not cover relocation costs.

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

Santa Clara Valley Water District (CA)

Address

5750 Almaden Expressway

San Jose, California, 95118

Phone

1-408-630-2260

Website

https://www.valleywater.org

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